Kid-Friendly Recipes

Even if you have a small grocery section, you can send the message that your store is a smarter, healthier time saver than a fast-food drive-through.

The main thing to keep in mind for family snacks and meals is speed and ease. In addition to stocking prepackaged foods manufactured for children, some basic staples can be transformed into fun, kid-friendly foods with a little creativity.

* Kiddie “Fondu”: “Toddlers and preschoolers like to dip, so an all-finger-food meal can be fun,” suggests Marlow. Cut raw or cooked veggies and whole grain bread into strips or small chunks. Serve with healthy dips like hummus, a vegetable puree or a yogurt-based creamy dip.

* Italy Fest: Gluten-free pasta, organic jarred tomato sauce and turkey meatballs can be a hit. Add a small appetizer of mini pizza made with half a whole-grain English muffin, cheese, sauce and veggies.

* Veggie Stir Fry: Saute fresh or frozen veggies and at the end, toss in firm tofu, drained and cut into small chunks, and heat until warm throughout. Add your family's favorite low-sodium Asian sauce and serve over brown rice.

* Ants on a Log: Take a celery stick, fill with natural peanut butter and top with a few raisins

.

* Breakfast Fun: Make whole-grain pancakes and use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Decorate with berries or raisins.

* Grilled Cheese Dippers: Put two slices of organic American cheese between two slices of whole grain bread. Put in a toaster over and set to dark. Cut into sticks, and serve as dippers with organic tomato soup

.

* Candy Carrots: Steam carrots and serve with a drop of maple syrup on them